Best Things To Do In Melaka
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Photo Credit: @fathinsafiah (Instagram)
You're not a true Malaysian if you haven't driven all the way to Melaka just for some good food. This charming UNESCO World Heritage city located an easy drive from Kuala Lumpur is rich with history, culture, colonial buildings, ancient landmarks, family-friendly attractions, and yummy local cuisine. If you think Melaka has nothing to offer besides chicken rice balls and satay celup, think again! Be inspired by our list of best things to eat, see, and do in Melaka and start planning your road trip.
Top Places To Visit & Things To Do In Melaka
1. Dutch Square
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The Melaka Dutch Square is definitely one of the most iconic sights of this charming historical city. The area is distinguished by a collection of picturesque, red colonial Dutch buildings built between 1660 and 1700 - you'll find the Stadthuys (known to be the oldest-existing Dutch building in the East), Christ Church, and the iconic Melaka clock tower here, often surrounded by colourful trishaws that you can hop on for a tour around the city. Snap some touristy shots with the buildings as a pretty backdrop!
2. Melaka River
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Next up, make your way to the Melaka River which runs through the city and is the reason why Melaka was given the title 'Venice Of The East' back in the olden days. The river played an extremely important role in Melaka's rich history, welcoming traders from all over the world back in the 1500s. Today, it is lined with many little shops, houses, cafes, restaurants, and buildings splashed with striking graffiti and street art. Hop on a River Cruise for a different perspective of the scenic river or simply spend some time strolling down the banks.
3. St. Paul's Church
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Located near the remains of the A'Famosa Fort at the summit of St. Paul's Hill, the St. Paul's Church is another iconic historical building you won't want to miss. Originally built in 1521, it is the oldest standing church building in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, and although it is now in ruins (with no roof and brick walls covered in ferns!), it's a refreshing spot to check out if you're willing to climb up a steep flight of stairs. You'll even be greeted by a gorgeous view of the city when you reach the top!
4. A'Famosa Water Park
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Travelling to Melaka with your friends or family? You won't want to miss out on the A'Famosa Water Theme Park! This aquatic playground promises hours of fun for adults and kids alike. Float and swim through 11 exciting rides and attractions here from game pools to twisting water slides, water playgrounds for the little ones, and more. Pssst, did you know that the A'Famosa Water Park is home to one of the tallest, longest, and widest 'ice cream' rides in Southeast Asia?
5. A'Famosa Safari Wonderland
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If you're an animal lover, pay a visit to the A'Famosa Safari Wonderland, also located within the A'Famosa Resort. Get up-close and personal to towering giraffes, majestic tigers, elegant flamingos, cheeky monkey squirrels, playful monkeys, and more in this spacious safari-style zoo! Besides being able to marvel at a wide variety of animals, the safari's daily schedule is packed with multi-animal shows, feeding times, and fascinating performances. For those travelling with family (especially if you have kids in tow), this one's an attraction you won't want to miss.
6. Menara Taming Sari
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Want to catch a panoramic view of the historical city from the top? Hop aboard a glass cabin and ride to the top of Menara Taming Sari, an iconic gyro tower with a revolving observatory that soars 110m above ground. Admire a 360-degree bird's eye view of the city and catch sight of iconic landmarks such as Pulau Melaka, the Maritime Museum, the Melaka River, and more from the top. You can also visit in the evening or at night if you'd like to see the city come to life once the sky dims and the lights come on.
7. Jonker Street
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Also known as Jonker Walk, Jonker Street is the central hub of Melaka that's home to well-preserved landmarks, beautifully-restored houses, museums, religious buildings, quaint shops (where you can shop for everything from antiques to knick-knacks, souvenirs, snacks, and more!), cosy cafes, and more. Whip out your umbrella and get ready to explore all that the area has to offer.
8. Mamee Jonker House
Photo Credit: @hello.happy.cheers
Photo Credit: @hello.happy.cheers
While exploring Jonker Street, you'll very likely come across the quirky Mamee Jonker House with its cheery yellow exterior and huge Mamee signages. The Mamee Jonker House is a popular family-friendly attraction in the area - if you grew up loving the crunchy childhood snack, be sure to pop by for a fun time. The building is divided into several sections including a cafe, a mini-museum, a corner where you can shop for Mamee souvenirs and merchandise, as well as a kitchen offering hands-on workshops and the opportunity for you to personalize your very own Mamee cup noodles!
9. Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
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The beautiful Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum is one of many pre-World War II Peranakan houses in Melaka. Located close to Jonker Street, the building served as a home for four generations of a local family and has today been transformed into a well-preserved house museum carefully maintained in honour of the Peranakan spirit and culture. Simply purchase an admission ticket or book a guided tour so you can marvel at beautiful hand-painted tiles, classic furniture, and artifacts that will take you back in time.
10. Jonker Walk Night Market
Photo Credit: @santan_irl
Your Melaka trip is incomplete without a stroll through the iconic Jonker Walk Night Market. Open only on Fridays and Saturdays, this is where you can buy everything from tasty street eats to charming antiques and quirky souvenirs. Munch on delicious eats like nyonya popiah, fried quail egg, and deep-fried ice cream while strolling through the bustling street! Jonker Street is also lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can relax at with a nice drink after your long day.
11. The Shore Sky Tower
Climb 163 metres and be greeted by panoramic views of Melaka from the open-air observation deck perched at the top of The Shore Sky Tower! P/s: this one's not for the faint-hearted - but those with a brave heart will love its glass-floored sky deck. We recommend visiting in the evening to witness a spectacular sunset from the top - you'll also get to watch the city come alive with lights.
12. Pantai Klebang
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Drive 15 minutes from Melaka city to the sunny and sandy Klebang Beach where you can unwind in the sea breeze. Pantai Klebang is usually full of activity in the evenings as locals and tourists often head over to play kites, have picnics, and enjoy desserts while watching the sunset. A hidden gem in the area is the Pantai Klebang Sand Dunes, a unique spot that went viral a while back with its hills of sands that make it look like a desert. Do note though that you'll have to walk a distance of approximately 20 minutes before you reach this spot.
13. Melaka Straits Floating Mosque
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Also known as the Masjid Selat Melaka, the Melaka Straits Floating Mosque is built on stilts above the sea and is especially beautiful in the morning or at dusk. Though it's located a short drive from the town center, it's worth a visit if you'd like a change of scenery after all that eating and sightseeing. Visitors are allowed to enter but you'll have to dress modestly - and shawls are available for rental on-site if needed.
14. Skytrex Adventure Melaka
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Up for an adrenaline rush and a good sweat during your trip? Check out Skytrex Adventure Melaka, an adventure park packed with a wide variety of obstacle courses including the first Skybike in Malaysia, a Tarzan Bungee Swing, Flying Fox, and more! Take your pick from different difficulty levels that can accommodate visitors of all ages and stamina levels, even kids. This activity is perfect for group trips with your friends or family.
15. Bayou Lagoon Water Park
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Here's another water park option in Melaka! The Bayou Lagoon Water Park is housed within the Bayou Lagoon Park Resort and offers a selection of wet and dry rides perfectly designed for a fun time with your friends or family. Best part? Tickets are really affordable and are available at 27% off on Klook, so if you're looking for some splashing fun, bring your little ones here.
Klook Tip: Do note that the Bayou Lagoon Water Park is pretty small - alternatively, you can check out the A'Famosa Water Park or Melaka Wonderland Water Theme Park for a more elevated experience.
16. Upside Down House Gallery Melaka
Photo Credit: @_ainaliya_
Photo Credit: @_ainaliya_
The Upside Down House Melaka is a fascinating inverted version of a modern Malaysian home. Built by a director with 10 years worth of industry experience under his belt, this family-friendly attraction is set within a quaint two-storey shophouse and will amaze you with its life-sized gravity-defying props in multiple settings. Get ready to take tons of fun photos as you explore the space. Pssst, book your tickets on Klook to enjoy discounted prices!
17. Tan Kim Hock Product Centre
Photo Credits: @sherlintiew
Before ending your trip, pop by the Tan Kim Hock Product Centre to get your souvenirs! This amazing shop offers over 100 local food products under its roof and is a popular shopping place for both locals and tourists. Expect rows and rows of goods stacked high with treats like boxes of durian dodol, coconut candy, gula melaka, cincalok, sambal ikan bilis, and more. If you're a fan of durian, head to the shop's durian cendol stall right outside the shopping area for a refreshing bowl of cendol topped with a generous lump of red beans and durian paste.
Best Food, Restaurants & Cafes In Melaka
Klook Tip: In case you're looking for halal food options in Melaka, check out our article on the best Halal restaurants in Melaka here.
18. Cendol Kampung Hulu
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Photo Credit: @fathinsafiah (Instagram)
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Craving for a sweet treat after all that sightseeing? Pop by Cendol Kampung Hulu, a humble stall known to serve arguably the best cendol in town. Nestled by the banks of the river, this local establishment allows patrons to enjoy refreshing cendol in an alfresco setting. Top your cendol with your favourite toppings whether it's coconut ice cream, mango cubes, dragon fruit, longan, or even durian. People even call the cendol here Cendol Bingsu due to the fluffy and Bingsu-like texture of their shaved ice!
19. The Daily Fix Cafe
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Photo Credit: @ssarahchy (Instagram)
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The Daily Fix is one of Melaka's most loved cafes, known for its delicious pandan pancakes! This charming little cafe has a homey ambiance and is situated in a double-storey vintage shophouse constructed in the 1800s. Sink your teeth into fluffy pandan pancakes with gula melaka, they also serve a good variety of cakes, pasta, coffee, teas, and more.
20. Klebang Original Coconut Shake
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If you're a fan of coconuts, be sure to pop by the Klebang Original Coconut Shake stall located close to Pantai Klebang. This humble spot is known as one of Melaka's top food places, offering refreshing, delicious cups of coconut shake (topped with vanilla ice cream!) that are perfect to help you shake off the heat and humidity. Besides its coconut shakes, you can also enjoy kuihs like keropok lekor and curry puffs as well as nasi lemak, fried bee hoon, and ayam goreng.
21. Nyonya Delights Homestyle Cooked Food
Photo Credits: @nyonyadelight
Photo Credits: @xiangyanpok
Tuck into some delicious, no-frills, authentic peranakan food at Nyonya Delights Homestyle Cooked Food. As you would have guessed from the name of the eatery, the food here is homecooked with love - even the vibes of the restaurant will make you feel at home. Nyonya Delights began (and still is) as a home-based operation with only about 10 tables and just a few friendly staff. In case you're unsure what to order, we'd recommend giving their Nyonya laksa, mee siam, Nyonya rice dumplings, and chicken rendang a try.
22. The Baboon House
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Photo credit: @veeeyeo (Instagram)
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Retreat into The Baboon House, a quaint and tranquil restaurant in Melaka situated in a renovated Peranakan shophouse, where they cook up some of the best gourmet burgers that we've ever tried, with their signature homemade chicken, beef, or pork patties. Filled with greenery and antiques, this unique cafe is also complete with spaces perfect for you to unwind at or take a couple of Instagram shots.
23. Pampas Sky Dining Steakhouse
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Elevate your dining experience in Melaka at the Pampas Sky Dining Steakhouse. Boasting a stunning 360-degree view of the historical city, we can't think of a better place to celebrate special occasions at over a fancy dinner. With an add-on fee, you can even request for table decorations for your special celebration! Some dishes we'd recommend would be their Gambas, Smoked Salmon Roulade, Prawn Farfalle with Creamy Curry Sauce, and any of their signature steaks made the Pampas way.
24. Ee Ji Ban Chicken Rice Ball
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Photo Credit: @ilham02lavender (Instagram)
Your Melaka trip wouldn't be complete without enjoying a meal of the city's iconic chicken rice balls! They're not just fun to eat, but taste pretty darn good as well. Chicken rice balls can be found everywhere across Melaka, but a popular crowd favourite and one of our top recommendations would be Ee Ji Ban. Aside from the famous chicken rice, they also serve other Nyonya dishes like sambal petai, cincalok omelette, asam pedas, and more.
25. Kedai Kopi Chung Wah
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Here's a second spot where you can get your chicken rice ball fix. Kedai Kopi Chung Wah is a humble coffee shop that has been serving yummy chicken rice balls for years - you'll almost always be greeted by a long queue, so make sure you pop by early to beat the crowd. Once you're seated, dig into soft rice balls, tender steamed chicken, and refreshing cups of sour plum juice!
26. Baba Charlie Nyonya Cake
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Photo Credit: @ihaveneondreams
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Don't leave Melaka without having a taste of authentic Nyonya kuih! The best place to grab some is the humble Baba Charlie Nyonya Cake, a family-run business that has been in operation since 1988. Get ready to be spoilt for choice with their extensive array of mouth-watering kuih-muih, from colourful kuih lapis to yummy Nyonya kuih chang, savoury rempah udang, addictive onde-onde, and more. Besides kuihs, they've also got a cafe area where you can tuck into hearty dishes such as rendang ayam, nasi lemak, Nyonya curry laksa, popiah, and more.
27. Sin Hiap Hin Bar
Photo Credit: @carissagan
Photo Credit: @carissagan
Photo Credit: @carissagan
Tucked away in the Kampung Jawa area, Sin Hiap Hin is an old-fashioned local bar that's been around for a century. Unlike flashy bars located all over town, Sin Hiap Hin is run by a friendly old lady and is furnished with a vintage wooden bar, wooden stools, plastic chairs, and shelves filled with glasses of liquor. Soak up the rustic atmosphere while you sip on your choice of drink, whether it's rice wine, Indian whisky, or a beer. Do note though that unlike most bars you know, Sin Hiap Hin closes its doors by 6PM before it gets dark!
28. The Stolen Cup
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With a rustic interior filled with wooden tables and potted plants, The Stolen Cup is the perfect space to temporarily escape the heat and rest your legs. The cafe serves up a great range of beverages, pastries (their salted egg yolk croissant is pretty good!), desserts, and mains - but the specialty on the list is definitely the Signature Gula Melaka Latte.
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